Sunday 19th November 2023
Join us for a day of events showcasing the musical heritage of South West Scotland presented in collaboration between Girvan Folk Festival, Ballantrae History Group and Book Week Scotland.
The day features four events:
- 15:00 – Stories & songs for families with Robyn and Jo
- 18:00 – The Battle of Howshean Moor – the remarkable true story behind an old Ayrshire smuggling ballad
- 19:30 – Evening concert – an evening of music and song
- 21:30 – Singaround in the Kings Arms – bring your voice or an instrument and join concert guests for informal music making
Songs & Stories – Family event
Sunday 19th November – 15:00
Ballantrae Community Hall
Robyn Stapleton and Jo Miller share songs, stories and dancing for families and younger children (up to age 9 but no one turned away!). All children should be accompanied by an adult. Please book one ticket for each person attending, child or adult.
This event is free thanks to generous support from Ballantrae Community Council.
£FREE
reserve tickets
The Battle of Howshean Moor – Book Talk
Sunday 19th November – 18:00
Ballantrae Community Hall
Neil McDermott explores the stories behind the local folk songs that can be found in Girvan Folk Festival’s recent Scottish Book Trust funded book The Ballads and Songs of Carrick.
Come on an adventure into Carrick’s clandestine smuggling past & discover the remarkable true story of an old smuggler’s ballad and its links to the cast of Kirkoswald characters immortalised by Robert Burns in Tam o’ Shanter.
£FREE
reserve tickets
Concert
Sunday 19th November – 19:30
Ballantrae Community Hall
An evening of traditional song from South West Scotland featuring BBC Young Traditional Musician award-winner Robyn Stapleton, expert on Galloway music and song Dr Jo Miller, renowned Fife singer Chris Miles, border balladeer Kathy Hobkirk, Ballantrae regular Davie Anderson and singer, piano player and great festival & folk club organiser Maggie Macrae.
The concert will follow on directly from the Talk before hand – there’ll be a short break (just enough time for a refreshment at the Kings Arms) and the first performer will be on stage shortly after 19:30.
£10 / £8
buy tickets
Singaround
Sunday 19th November – 21:30
Kings Arms Community Hub & Pub
Bring your own songs or an instrument and join concert guests in the Kings Arms for an informal sharing of songs and music.
Ballads at Ballantrae can only run thanks to the kind and generous support of Ballantrae Community Council and the Kings Arms Community Pub and Hub.
Food and drink will be available at the Kings Arms from 12.30pm with last food orders at 5.30pm.